Thursday 24 July 2003

Bus Driver's Nightmare

Its doesn't happen as often as you'd think considering the number of buses on London's streets at any one time. This evening we were sailing down the bus lane and a car had been a little too far on the white dividing lane and the bus clipped its wing mirror. It fell off. All the passengers leaned over to look out of the right-hand side (good job buses are designed to be able to lean at 45 degrees without falling over). Bus stopped. Bus driver collected his money and left the bus. Almost all the passengers got off and started walking to the next nearest bus stop. Details were obviously passed between drivers. After 10 minutes we were back on our way and picked most of the same passengers back up.

I've seen a bus in a head on collision with a car on a very tight s-bend. I've seen several wing mirrors torn off. I've seen a bus that had attempted to drive under a bridge that was too low (roof was torn off). But accidents are fairly rare considering the bus population.

Do careless bus driver's have their wages docked, like waiters? Or is there a bus driver's no-claims bonus scheme that London Buses run - money for not being in a collison? Carefulness bonuses might decrease the number of drivers who pretend they are driving an open topped beamer blaring loud music (fast but hard on the brakes). Its an idea.

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